OVER DEZE AFLEVERING
In this episode of DefTechPod, Erica speaks with Denys Demko, Economic Secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom, about Ukraine’s defence technology ecosystem and what allied companies, investors and partners can learn from it.
Denys explains how Ukraine’s defence sector has grown under wartime pressure, with thousands of companies now operating across drones, UGVs, electronic warfare, air defence, AI and battlefield data. The conversation looks at why Ukraine’s innovation cycle can move in weeks rather than years, how developers work directly with military users, and why operational feedback has become central to capability development.
The episode also covers Brave1, Ukraine’s defence innovation platform, and how international companies can engage with testing, partnerships and investment routes. Denys discusses the importance of working with Ukrainian industry rather than simply trying to sell into Ukraine, the role of local presence and collaboration, and why investors should pay closer attention to battlefield-tested Ukrainian defence technologies.
For companies, investors and ecosystem organisations trying to understand Ukraine beyond the headlines, this is a practical conversation about urgency, adaptation, procurement, partnership and the realities of building technology in wartime.
